Rails to Trails: Discovering the Exeter Green Circle
I have a confession: I’ve lived in Exeter for years, walked and run parts of the Green Circle countless times, and only recently discovered that part of this beloved route actually connects my house close to Ludwell Valley Park to my mum’s place in Ide. How did I not realise this sooner?
Even better, the Green Circle is now brilliantly accessible from three train stations, including my local Marsh Barton Station. Thanks to a clever initiative between Exeter City Council, Great Western Railway, Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council, and the University of Exeter, the Green Circle has been relaunched as part of the Railway 200 celebrations. And honestly, it’s genius – combining sustainable transport with one of Exeter’s most treasured walking routes.
What’s the Green Circle?
For those who haven’t yet discovered this route (no judgment, I was late to the party too), the Green Circle is a 12-mile circular walking route that weaves through seven city wards. It connects diverse neighbourhoods, leafy suburbs, and some genuinely hidden heritage spots that even longtime residents might not know about.
Think of it as Exeter’s urban nature trail – a way to escape into green spaces without actually leaving the city. Valley parks, nature reserves, cafés, viewpoints – it’s all there, just waiting to be explored.
My Personal Green Circle Discovery
I recently walked a 3.8-mile section of the Circle with 384 feet of elevation gain (tracked on the app AllTrails), taking about an hour and a half. What started as a simple walk from my house to my mum’s became a bit of a revelation about the connections woven throughout our city.
Historic Landmarks Along the Way
One of the highlights was passing the Countess Wear Paper Mill. This historic building has always captured my imagination – I can picture summer evenings there with a string quartet playing and glasses clinking in celebration. It’s one of those structures that hold stories within its red brick walls, a testament to Exeter’s industrial heritage.
From Familiar Routes to New Discoveries
The first section follows my usual running route, taking me past the crematorium and through the university grounds. I crossed the bridge and walked through the fields that lead down to Double Locks – a favourite local spot that’s perfect for a pub meal or Sunday roast – before crossing another bridge to reach Marsh Barton Station.
The Rails to Trails Bit
Here’s where it gets interesting. Exeter St Davids, Marsh Barton, and Polsloe Bridge stations are promoted as “gateways to green adventure” (their words, but I’m rather fond of them). New maps and information boards have been installed at each station, showing you exactly how to reach the Green Circle and highlighting points of interest along each section.
Modern Convenience Meets Natural Beauty
Marsh Barton Station is relatively new and has become a real asset for locals. From there, you can catch trains to Paignton and Exmouth, making beach days much easier and helping us avoid those eye-watering summer parking fees. The station also provides easy access to Double Locks and several of my favourite local businesses, including Hotpod Yoga for hot yoga sessions and Melo Exeter, a cool little café that’s worth seeking out.
The beauty of this rails-to-trails approach? You don’t have to tackle the full 12 miles in one go. You can hop on a train to one station, walk a section of the Circle, then catch a train home from another. It’s the perfect way to explore the route bit by bit, especially if you fancy stopping at a café or pub along the way (always my preferred approach to any walk).
What surprised me most was discovering a lovely green path hidden amongst the built-up Marsh Barton area. These pockets of nature tucked into urban spaces are precisely what make the Green Circle special- it shows you parts of your city you never knew were there.
Through Alphington and Beyond
My route continued through Alphington, where I crossed the main road toward Ide. Running alongside the A30, there’s a great track that offers surprisingly pleasant walking despite the proximity to the road. This is where I had a lovely (surprise – bumping into my mum and her dog Bowie. We crossed Ball’s Farm Road together and walked up the hill, which marked the end of our Green Circle adventure for the day.
Why I’m Excited About This
- It’s practical. How many times have we driven somewhere for a walk, spent ages finding parking, then driven home again? This way, you can leave the car at home, take the train, and feel somewhat virtuous about the whole thing.
- It opens up the Green Circle to visitors. If you’re visiting Exeter for the day, you can easily combine a city tour with a scenic nature walk, all without needing a car. That’s the kind of thing that makes a city genuinely accessible.
- This is the bit that really appeals to me – it encourages us to rediscover parts of our own city. I’ve walked sections of the Green Circle before, but starting from different stations allows me to explore new routes and discover spots I’ve somehow missed. Like discovering that path through Marsh Barton, or realising the Circle connects my house to my mum’s.
A Greener, Healthier, More Connected Exeter
The initiative launched in September 2025 as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, marking two centuries since the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened in 1825. Celebrating historic transport infrastructure while promoting modern sustainability.
The tagline “Rails to Trails” captures it perfectly. It’s about linking sustainable transport with green spaces, providing an alternative to jumping in the car whenever we crave some fresh air.
The Green Circle is clearly marked with cycle and pedestrian signage, making it accessible for families, cyclists, and walkers of all abilities. The “Share this space” signs remind us that these paths belong to everyone, from dog walkers to wheelchair users, runners to families with young children.
Getting Started
Route maps and all the information you need are available from Visit Exeter. The new boards at each station will guide you in the right direction, allowing you to plan your walk based on the time you have and which section appeals to you.
Whether you tackle the entire 12-mile loop or explore sections like I did, the Exeter Green Circle offers an excellent way to see the city from a different angle. The route is well-maintained and clearly signposted, making it easy to follow without constantly checking your phone.
For locals, it’s a chance to discover connections between neighbourhoods you thought you knew. For visitors, it’s an authentic way to experience Exeter beyond the city centre – seeing where people actually live, work, and play.
I’m planning to work my way around the Circle over the coming weeks, one section at a time. There’s something rather satisfying about exploring your own city as if you’re a tourist – seeing familiar places from new angles and discovering the bits you’ve been walking past for years without really noticing.
And who knows? You might just discover, like I did, that a path you’ve been looking for has been there all along, quietly connecting the places that matter most.
Join the Adventure
So, who’s joining me? Grab your walking shoes, hop on a train, and let’s explore this glorious city of ours, the green way.
Have you walked the Green Circle? I’d love to hear about your favourite sections and any hidden spots along the route. Drop me a comment below or tag me on social media with your Green Circle adventures.
About the Author: Stephanie Darkes
Is a freelance writer and content creator who has been writing about the great things she finds in Exeter and Devon for nine years on her blogzine, Exploring Exeter. Her passion for showcasing the county’s incredible food scene, independent businesses, arts, and beauty spots has also led to her writing for Devon Life, Exeter Life, The Exeter Magazine, Exeter Tomorrow, Exeter Daily, and GROW Exeter. Follow her adventures and local discoveries at www.exploringexeter.co.uk and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Tags: Devon, Exeter, Exeter Green Circle